But something was missing each time he heard our national anthem – something he’s quite familiar with: a little bit of soul. When ESPN approached him to be part of The Anthem project, he eagerly took the opportunity to give his rendition and explain his approach.

Bridges also shared his thoughts on Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the anthem, a move that put an intensified spotlight on the song and forced a national conversation on the lingering reality of racial inequality in America.